ZombieVodka

Ello, I'm new here. I just need some tips and advice on a upgrade I'm hoping to make around Christmas time.

To make it simple, much of the games on the pc market right now are great, and I being a gamer, want to play them all. However, my computer specs are falling behind, and most of the games coming out nowadays I can't play only because of my graphics card.

My computer specs (from dxdiag)


and these specs I copied and pasted from SystemRequirementsLab.com

2 processors running - Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz
2.99 GHz Performance Rated at 4.49 GHz
1022.1 MB Ram
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
RADEON X300 Series (RADEON X300 SE (0x5B60))


I purchased my computer back around Christmas 2003, and at that time it was an above-average computer. Obviously, not the best but its worked great on every game I've bought from than, till now.

So, what do you guys recommend? I use my computer mainly for Internet and Games. I'm looking for something thats not pricey, and thats easy to install (I've never installed a Graphics card before).

Which leads me to my next question. I'm familiar with the insides of a computer because I've installed a new CD-Drive into my computer. However, will I be able to install a Graphics card no problem? or should I take it to some store and pay some cash for it to be done. I'd prefer to do it myself, if its not complicated.

Thanks!

diduknowthat

Well first we have to know if your motherboard supports AGP or PCI-Express. And when you say "not pricey" how much is that? Sub $100? sub $200?

And a graphics card is easier to install compared to a CD drive. All you have to do is pop it in and put in 1 screw. So don't take it to a store.

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paratwa

When you go to install your new card, just make sure you un install your old drivers first, then shut down, install your new card, then reboot, place your driver disk in when it asks for drivers and install.

It's that easy. The whole process should not take more than 20 min.

But, once you figure out which card you want, download the newest drivers from the manufactures website and use those instead of the ones on the disk. The ones you download will always be the newest drivers out, while the ones on the disk might be months old.

meanman

i think he is running agp if the pc was bought in 2003 and i would recommend buying a second hand 6800gt , it can be oc really easy and its a top agp card.

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oscaryu1

I suggest upgrading before doing anything else. An HT Pentium 4, 1GB, and DELL will not cut it. AGP - x1950, but no DX10. PCI-E, 8800GT.

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diduknowthat

Well mostly the dell part, not the P4 and the ram.

Your computer's powersupply will not support many high end cards, and since it's a Dell, you're also dealing with special PSU's that are almost impossible to upgrade.

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oscaryu1

True. I'm betting it doesn't even have an 6pin... you COULD use an adapter, but no telling how many things you'll have to unplug... SOME Dell's use standard ATX PSU's. Rarity, but SOME.

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mep916

Check the label on your power supply. You need to know how many total watts the power supply produces. Also check the output of the +12V rail. There may be more than one rail listed. Post the figures on this thread.

Most video cards have a minimum power requirement. When you purchase a card, be sure that your PSU meets these requirements.

EDIT: Uh...sorry diduknowthat. Didn't see your post.

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Vinleboiteux

Hi there, i'm kind of in the same situation.

I know i should really upgrade my system but i just don't have the money for that.

All i want and what i think the original poster on this thread wants is to add prettiness to the games we play.

From what i can gather reading around :

- Find out my power supply ( its 300 W ).
- Find suitable card.
- Buy new card.
- Uninstall old drivers, shut down.
- Install new card.
- Download newest drivers.

And thats it ? please tell me if i'm missing anything.

It leaves me with come technical questions :

Do i have to remove my old card ?
If so , what happens if i have Integrated Intel GMA900 onboard graphics as my card ? Does onboard mean that its on the motherboard and can i remove that ?

Also, i was told to get a card with DDR3, but can i run a card with that if my computer's memory isn't DDR3 ( or DDR3 supportive, don't really know what i'm talking about here )?
Browsing the web i saw chips for DDR3 memory, so maybe i have to have one of those before i can use a card with DDR3 ?


Any responses would be helpful, its times like these i wish had computer wise friends.

Thanks alot